LAZY TONGS Definition & Meaning

lazy tongs

noun

(used with a plural verb)

extensible tongs for grasping objects at a distance, consisting of a series of pairs of crossing pieces, each pair pivoted together in the middle and connected with the next pair at the extremities.

lazy tongs

plural noun

a set of tongs with extensible arms to allow objects to be grasped or handled at a distance

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of lazy tongs¹

First recorded in 1830–40

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

This is done by a most beautiful bit of mechanism, somewhat on the principle of what are called `lazy tongs.'

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Lazy Tongs.—One of the simplest and most effective instruments for carrying ice, boxes or heavy objects, which are bulky or inconvenient to carry.

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But that sort of thing is remarkably like writing a letter by means of a pen held in lazy tongs instead of the hand.

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A very easily imagined series of accidents may place the destinies of Germany in such lazy tongs again.

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Yet other people consider that the army should be built, like a pair of lazy tongs—on the principle of elasticity and extension—so that in time of need it may fill up its skeleton battalions and empty saddle troops.

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